LCD monitors are unchartered territories for me, but my father suggested I get an LCD over CRT. I have a few objections, such as slower refresh rates, smaller screen size than my current monitor [I need larger viewing screen] and, of course, more expensive.

Anyway, I was reading around a magazine and it suggested that if I really wanted LCD but also play games, then go for digital LCD over analog. What is a digital LCD screen and what is an analog? What are the differences etc, and why choose digital for games? Is it more expensive? If so, how much? Lotsa questions.

The advantage of an LCD over CRT, is pretty obvious the size and the depth of the screen, it just takes up less space on your desk. Next to that there is less energy consumption and no flickkering meaning less strain on your eyes. The objection about the size is also wrong since a 15 inch LCD has the equivalent viewing size of a 17 inch CRT(and etc) but if you want a 18 inch or bigger LCD, then we are talking big bucks here, not that LCD was cheap in the first place.
As for digital versus analog, I don't know much. But I think some manufacturer makes LCD with analog interface and digitalised the picture back in the LCD with a build in converter, since most vid-card don't have DVI(digital video interface) out. Since most g-force has DVI support nowadays there is no need for the vid card to convert digital image to anolog and the LCD doesn't have to convert the analog image to digital, so you have a faster interface and better image quality since the signal are not converted anymore. I could be wrong, but this is my limited understandings of LCD. I would have bought one if I could afford it though.

If you have the cash to get a high-end LCD, then I would reccommend getting an high-end CRT instead. My personal favourite right now is the Flatron series by LG (a truly flat monitor, unlike the Trinitrons which in fact have a curved triphosphorous layer), however the Trinitrons provide a bit better colour contrast (which is good for photo work).
(My Flatron is larger than my Trinitron, so I usually don't use it for even photo editing because of size constraints)

If you've got a high end video card, then you might opt to get a LCD with an analog input. If you use a digital LCD, then the video card won't convert the image data with its own RAMDAC, but one on the LCD will do it.
I don't particularily know the specifics of the quality of the DACs on LCD monitors. Might be something worth looking into.

EDIT: Forgot to mention. If eyestrain is a problem (even at 120Hz@1600*1200) then a CRT might not be a good choice.

but eye strain is the key factor for choosing LCD monitors... why ? just get your still camera or digi cam and point it at a CRT screen (even ones with high refresh rates) and you'll see what your eyes are subject to everyday!

Originally posted by eva2000 new LCD mons have 500:1, 550:1 and 600:1 of course very expensive

but eye strain is the key factor for choosing LCD monitors... why ? just get your still camera or digi cam and point it at a CRT screen (even ones with high refresh rates) and you'll see what your eyes are subject to everyday!

Wow, the contrast is catching up then. Still doesn't compare to my 750:1 though.

Amittedly the refresh on monitors can be a strain to some people, however it is better than the refresh on TVs.

I can work comfortably on an 85Hz refresh, which is my maximum setting at 1600*1200. However down at 1280*1024 I can go as high as 120Hz.

Wow, the contrast is catching up then. Still doesn't compare to my 750:1 though.

Amittedly the refresh on monitors can be a strain to some people, however it is better than the refresh on TVs.

I can work comfortably on an 85Hz refresh, which is my maximum setting at 1600*1200. However down at 1280*1024 I can go as high as 120Hz.

Good catch!

I was just about to respond to the critical use of monitor refresh to minimize eye strain due to screen flicker ... I also run my monitors on the highest possible refresh rate for the desired color depth ... this significantly reduces eye strain. In addition,

I also alter the level of ambient light in the room, this enables the viewer to optimize the brightness level of the crt to eliminate 'phosher bloom' which actually cause the image to 'fuzz out' due to the overloading of the phosper containment grill or mask... this fuzzy image tends to make the viewer unconsciously try to refocus to sharpen the image ... this phenomena can tire the eye muscles to further compound eyestrain.

I went for a 19" CRT and as appealing as it sounded back then, I didn't forsee that I'd be in front of the computer as much as I am now. Its made even worse because I have a small table and this thing is so huge that the keyboard must fit right in front of the monitor so I can't really sit back at all. I only really realised the strain on my eyes yesterday and sitting this distance isn't going to improve my eyesight any. Now I'm actually considering getting an LCD, but that may not happen for a while yet. I'm looking at the Samsung 152T, but probably consider it when the prices go down. Until then I'll just say hi to my optomitrist.

I went for a 19" CRT and as appealing as it sounded back then, I didn't forsee that I'd be in front of the computer as much as I am now. Its made even worse because I have a small table and this thing is so huge that the keyboard must fit right in front of the monitor so I can't really sit back at all. I only really realised the strain on my eyes yesterday and sitting this distance isn't going to improve my eyesight any. Now I'm actually considering getting an LCD, but that may not happen for a while yet. I'm looking at the Samsung 152T, but probably consider it when the prices go down. Until then I'll just say hi to my optomitrist.

No need to worry, if you are willing to put that much money into a remedy, why not consider a good wireless keyboard and mouse setup.... this would allow you the flexibility of moveing away from the desk... case in point, I am typing this message in a recliner with the keyboard on my lap and small auxiliary table with the mouse beside the arm rest... it is very comfortable and allows me the flexibiltiy to move about and adjust the distance to optimize the comfort level ... in both seating posistion as well as viewing distance.

I sympathize with the desire to get a flat screen though, but screen size, contrast range, refresh rate and cost still make the crt the tech of choice for me.

To replace my crt monitor with a flat screen of comparable performance, would entail enough money for me to build a true server platform fully loaded ... with crt!

LOL I never thought of it that way! I still prefer to have my keyboard and mouse on something solid. I can't really work or game like that. I know LCD is damned expensive but think of the optometry bills, getting new lenses and maybe frames too every couple of years O_O.